I read the article in the March 2007 edition of BabyTalk magazine entitled "31 Ways : Turn a Bad Day Around" ... When I read through the lengthy article, I picked out the bits of advice that I had tried that worked and that I intended to try ...
these bits of advice will help you with your hectic day ...
"Not feeling like Mary Poppins today? Whether you work or stay at home, you're bound to have days alone with your baby that start off bad and quickly get worse. When it happens, first remind yourself that you can't do it all perfectly and won't always be in a good mood... "
When You're Exhausted :
"Fake Some Floor Time" ... Do as many activities as you can while lying down next to your baby as she plays ... Your baby will enjoy having you nearby as she plays with a toy ... and you'll sneak in some rest. When my toddler sits, I sit ... Sometimes I just lay down on the floor on my back and my baby likes for me to play this way ... Physically, I am able to rest my body by being able to be still for a moment ...
"Enforce Naptime For Everyone" ... Sure, you're supposed to sleep when the baby sleeps, but giving up your only time to check e-mail can be a tough sacrifice. Just for today, try to take a nap - you'll probably surprise yourself by dozing off ... I also firmly believe in "sleep when baby is sleeping" ... every time my little one goes for a nap, I try to nap too. Oh, how hard it will be to give up Minti for a second's sleep, but it might be a time to rest up for later ... to spend hours on Minti visiting everyone ....
"Slash the To-Do List" ... Instead of feeling badly that you're too tired to get anything done, give yourself an extension on everything that doesn't need to be done immediately...For a long time I felt like every one of my daily chores to keep the house in order had to be done each and every day. I have come to realize that the world will not end if I let a few chores go until the next day ...
"Have a Pajama Day" ... Hanging out in your jammies isn't just comfortable, it's a great opportunity to connect with your inner child ... Oh, I have done this some in the past weeks and love the sensation of just being comfortable. ... You need to try it !
When You're Blue :
"Don't Be a Martyr" ... Ranking your needs ... after everyone else's wears on your nerves. It's hard to take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself .... I always find myself making sure every one else is fed before me, which means my meal gets cold ... everyone else gets to go potty and bath before me, which I am left with no hot water... everyone else gets to choose what we are doing ... etc. ... In order for me to feel better about myself and for me to be included in on the fun, I need to assess this situation and pick and choose what I really want instead of never including myself in the decisions being made.
"Be Flexible" ... Rigidity will get you nowhere but frustrated ... Schedules help provide structure to your day, but if you really need a break, don't let a routine stand in the way (of you relaxing) ... I have a schedule for my day with my little one, but I am always open to cues I get from him ... for instance, I know he needs a nap, but instead of my trying to make him nap at a set time , I put him down for his nap when I see cues from him that he is ready for a nap ... simple things like that can make your day go a bit smoother ... less fussing and fighting....
When You're Stressed :
"Share Bad MaMa Moments" ... Being able to talk about your ... moments as a mom will help you realize you're not alone ... Venting to ... online chat buddies will help you remember there are no perfect parents or babies. And someone will always have a worse screwup story than yours. Thank God for Minti .... this is why I am here ..... !
"Stop Feeling Guilty" ... (when you have lost your cool and raised your voice and said something you regret to your child ) ... Talk your way through it ... "Mama was mad, but it's okay now" ... We all lose our patience if tried constantly .... My gosh, after putting the dirty dish back into the dishwasher for the hundredth time ... I do lose my patience .... I think this is where true discipline should kick in ....
I hope we can all relax and chill ... If we love and take care of ourselves we will be better to love and take care of others ...
"If momma isn't happy , then no one is happy .... " so I have heard ......
(February 2007) (
